It was a case of success first time around for the TOTAL AGRI 400 in the Free State, round three of this year’s SA Cross Country Series (SACCS) Championship, which has won the Best Event of the Year award.
The award was announced at the annual awards function in Johannesburg last night. The TOTAL AGRI 400, based at NAMPO PARK on the outskirts of Bothaville, was a newcomer to this year’s SACCS calendar and was one of five events making up the shortened championship.
The award was accepted on behalf of TOTAL AGRI by Lubricants Business Manager, Jason Heath. Total, who are also SACCS Championship partners, were a prime mover in taking the race to the Bothaville area.
“The award is thoroughly deserved, and the management of NAMPO PARK and the local farmers must be congratulated for the enthusiasm, time and effort they put into making the event a success,” said SACCS chief executive officer Archie Rutherford. “The event is again on next year’s calendar and they have set the bar at a very high mark.”
Rutherford added that the method used to determine the award was a democratic process that involved the SACCS partners, competitors and race officials. After every event, a survey asking recipients to rate various components of the event is distributed, with items scoring from zero to 100 percent, with the award based on scores throughout the season.
“SACCS sets high standards for events and the feedback plays a major role in seeing that those standards are maintained,” said Rutherford. “We owe it to our championship partners, Ford, Pirelli, Total and Toyota, and the numerous team sponsors in Cross Country racing to maintain the highest standard of organisation. The survey is also another means of keeping in touch with competitor expectations.”
Rutherford added the survey covered a wide range of issues. These included the suitability of venues, pit and designated service park layout, public catering and ablution facilities, the route, safety, communications and other items that ensured an enjoyable weekend for competitors and spectators.
Cross Country racing is highly professional and fiercely competitive, but at the same time it is a family orientated sport, which over many years has established a good relationship with partners, event venues and landowners, and this is mirrored by the success of the championship.
Left Archie Rutherford – CEO SACCS and Jason Heath Lubricants Business Manager Total – right
The Total Team
